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**Chapter 71: A Quiet Anchor**
The courtyard was quiet in the late evening, the stillness broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Elena sat on the edge of the old stone fountain, her hands clasped tightly together as she gazed into the water. The reflections of the lantern light danced on its surface, but her thoughts were miles away.
The weight of their discoveries in the crypt and the looming choices ahead pressed heavily on her shoulders. Emilia's warning still echoed in her mind, and the fear of what might come next was a constant presence.
She barely noticed Marco's approach until he was standing beside her, his warm smile breaking through the cloud of her thoughts.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked gently.
Elena glanced up at him, her gaze softening as she nodded. Marco settled beside her on the fountain's edge, his presence steady and calming.
"You've been quiet," Marco said, his tone light but tinged with concern. "I figured you might need some air."
Elena exhaled slowly, her gaze returning to the water. "It's all just... a lot," she admitted. "The vault, the key, the warning... I can't stop thinking about what it all means. And if we're ready to face it."
Marco studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "You're always ready," he said quietly. "Even when you think you're not."
Elena shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I wish I could believe that," she murmured. "But there's so much we don't know. And if the cost really is as high as Emilia warned... what if we're not strong enough?"
Marco reached out, his hand resting gently on hers. "Hey," he said softly, his voice grounding her. "You don't have to be strong all the time. It's okay to be scared. But you're not facing this alone. We're all in this together—and whatever comes next, we'll face it as a team."
Elena turned to him, her gaze searching his for reassurance. "Do you really think we can do this?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Marco's smile was warm and steady, a quiet anchor in the storm of her thoughts. "I do," he said firmly. "And even if things get tough, I know you'll find a way through. You always do."
Elena's heart fluttered at his words, the sincerity in his tone wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. For a moment, the weight of her fears felt lighter, replaced by the hope Marco offered.
"Thank you," she said softly. "For being here."
Marco squeezed her hand gently, his own fears set aside as he focused on supporting her. "Always," he replied.
As the breeze carried the faint scent of lavender through the courtyard, Elena felt a flicker of strength returning to her. Marco's presence reminded her that she wasn't facing the unknown alone—and that sometimes, hope and comfort were just as powerful as resolve.
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